Noah’s story retold through Cantonese opera

Jacky Wong and Teresa Leung rehearse a scene from 'Noah’s Ark'
Despite criticism from other performers, Christian opera star Jacky Wong who is better known as “Man Chin-sui,” and his wife Teresa Leung say they still intend to promote evangelization through traditional Cantonese operas. The curtain on Noah’s Ark, their first “gospel opera” was staged at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre on September 14-15.

Jacky Wong, the renowned 70-year-old actor, began performing Cantonese operas when he was 13 and has appeared in numerous operas and TV dramas since the 1960s. After being baptized in a Protestant Church in 2006, the couple decided to end their traditional Taoist style performances and pursue an inculturated path of singing and acting the Gospel. Noah’s Ark will be the first opera by the Holy Family for Cantonese Opera Artists group which the couple founded. Besides serving as the producers, composers and screenwriters, they will also play Noah and his wife, in ancient Chinese costume. The other roles will be played by the Guangzhou Hongdou Cantonese Opera Troupe, a secular troupe in southern China.

In a recent interview with ucanews.com, the couple talked about the changes in their lives after discovering Jesus, their plans to produce Cantonese gospel opera and the challenges they have faced.
Q: How did the idea of interpreting Bible stories through Cantonese opera come about?

Leung: After listening to several hymns, I found that many people couldn’t pronounce the lyrics properly and that melodies were very limited. Hymns therefore can’t express the Bible fully. So I encouraged my husband to write hymns in the style of traditional Cantonese opera songs. Even people who don’t know the Bible can understand the lyrics since they are sung more clearly.

Q: Why did you choose Noah for your first gospel opera?

Wong: We’re telling the story of the ancient flood to remind people to repent their selfish acts against God’s creation such as pollution and abortion. Since Noah’s story is short, I have included a modern-day twist involving illegal hunters stealing animals from the ark to bring out the message of environmental protection. Also the procreation of Noah’s family and the animals after leaving the ark is a message against abortion. Noah’s story is very relevant in this day and age. There are lots of disasters occurring; they are also warnings to us.

Q: Have you tried screenwriting before?
Wong: I’ve written several gospel songs in traditional melodies since I became a Christian, but this my first gospel opera. The Bible and prayers have inspired me to be an instrument of God.
Q: What difficulties are there interpreting the Bible through Cantonese opera?

Leung: Finding someone to write the script and the songs, since he or she must be very familiar with both Cantonese opera and the Bible. We were careful and consulted a pastor to check every verse in the lyrics. I hope our upcoming performances earn good reviews so more people will realize the Bible is a treasure and accept gospel operas in the future.

Q: Won’t traditional Chinese opera as medium of evangelization only attract elderly people?

Leung: I don’t think that will be the case. Chinese opera is being promoted in primary and secondary schools, as well as universities nowadays. Many young people are learning it. Our target audience is not only the one or two thousand opera fans, but also young Christians who are interested in Bible stories. This is the first attempt to interpret Bible stories through Cantonese opera, and should interest them. I hope Christians who come because of the Noah story can get to like Cantonese opera, while non-Christian opera fans can get to appreciate the Bible.

Q: How do you foresee the future of Gospel opera?

Wong: It could be difficult as people don’t know how to write a script for a gospel opera. Many performers are also coming out against what we are doing. Opera artists have a tradition of worshipping Hua Guang, legendary founder of Cantonese opera and a Taoist god. My wife and I have been labelled traitorous and called many hurtful things for worshipping Jesus instead of Hua Guang following our conversion. When we organized Cantonese opera evangelization assemblies in Europe, they mocked at us. Yet, we will persist in promoting Gospel opera despite the difficulties as we strongly believe in God. - Courtesy: UCAN